Intel Centrino Duo, Centrino Pro “Santa Rosa” Officially Introduced

Intel Corporation today officially announced the new Intel Centrino notebook computer technology, which was code-named “Santa Rosa“. The new Centrino Duo and Centrino Pro laptops feature the latest Mobile Intel 965 Express chipsets and Core 2 Duo processors with increased front side bus speed to 800MHz from 667MHz, a wireless N connection, a Turbo Memory feature, as well as claimed better performance and lower power consumption.

According to Intel, more than 230 Intel Centrino Duo and Intel Centrino Pro processor technology-based designs from PC manufacturers, resellers and integrators around the world are expected to be released this year.

“At the heart of the new Intel Centrino Duo and Intel Centrino Pro processor technology-based notebooks is the next-generation of Intel’s highly acclaimed Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which delivers breakthrough mobile performance and responsiveness for demanding business users and consumers alike. Users will experience improved performance when running multiple applications simultaneously such as downloading a video clip while doing a virus scan. Additional power management features will continue to enable users to have the great battery life they have come to expect with an Intel-based notebook PC,” the chip maker says.

The refreshed lineup of Core 2 Duo “Merom” processors now include T7100, T7300, T7500 and T7700 CPUs, which fit in new Socket P in 965 Mobile chipsets. The earlier Core 2 Duos for laptops use Socket M found in previous 945 chipsets, so these units are not compatible with “Santa Rosa” platform.

Regarding video features, there is a new Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, which replaces the old GMA 950. There is also a Clear Video Technology for “enhanced high-definition video experience”.

Intel’s Next-Gen Wireless-N (802.11n) capability in new “Santa Rosa” laptops delivers “up to five times the performance for such tasks as downloads and twice the wireless access range”.

Intel says its Turbo Memory is an optional feature that can access frequently used software applications twice as fast and reduce the amount of time it takes to turn on, or boot-up, a laptop by as much as claimed 20 percent. In turn, these faster speeds save on power consumption and increase battery life.

In business-use Intel Centrino Pro technology, one of the key innovations is Intel Active Management Technology, also used in desktop PCs. It provides notebooks with wireless PC management, protection and remote repair work thereby increasing productivity, IT savings and uptime, Intel says.

The major PC manufacturers, such as HP, Dell, Acer, Lenovo, Sony, Toshiba, and Fujitsu, have already announced notebooks with the new Centrino Duo and Centrino Pro logos.

Intel

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